Deer fencing project for M6 near Burton-in-Kendal in Cumbria
Work to improve deer fencing and boost safety for drivers using the M6 between north Lancashire and south Cumbria will get underway next month.
The section of the motorway between junction 35 at Carnforth and junction 36 at Kirkby Lonsdale has been identified as a deer hot spot and Highways England is spending £200,000 on work to upgrade fencing in the area.
Highways England project manager Peter Gee said:
Deer intrusion is a particular problem in spring and autumn and can cause serious accidents on the motorway network resulting in injuries and fatalities. This section of the M6 has been identified as a hot spot so we are upgrading the fencing in the area to help reduce incidents.
None of the work will affect drivers’ journeys but the hard shoulder will be closed and we know our road users like to know what work is going on.
The project starts on Monday 6 July and will be completed by Monday 21 September. It involves replacing the existing boundary fence with deer and otter proof fencing. The fencing aims to encourage deer to cross the M6 at two overpasses at either side and will also prevent otters from accessing the motorway.
Highways England works closely through the Deer Initiative partnership and its DeerAware campaign to raise driver awareness of deer intrusion and the precautions drivers can take to avoid collisions.
There are some 70,000 collisions across the local and strategic road network in the UK each year resulting in 20 fatalities and 700 injuries among road users. Please visit the campaign web page for more information.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.